Weekly E-Pistle: "God of the Living" - Sunday at Douglas UCC

In Sunday's Gospel, Jesus says: "God is not the God of the dead, but of the living," meaning there is life after death. But what does life after death look like?  Will we be in physical form?  We will be reunited with our loved ones?  Come join us this Sunday at 10 AM, as we explore these questions and more together.  Special Music by Stan Greene.  Followed by our "2nd Sunday of the Month" Potluck (see details below).

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Last week, our Douglas UCC Camino Pilgrims gathered at the beautiful home of church members, Betsy York and Demetrhea Terrien, to celebrate walking the Camino de Santiago in  Spain together one year ago.

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We had a blast at author ​Scott Stabile's "Love Yourself Madly” Workshop at Douglas UCC last weekend!

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KUDOS: Thank you to our church member, Barb Lucier (pictured left) who is stepping down after many years of service from her role as our Christian Neighbors Board Member, and thank you to church member, Wendy Hamlin (pictured right) for her willingness to take over and represent our church in this role.  We are grateful!

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On Tuesday, November 19, our Douglas UCC Creation Justice Team will host another Movie Night, this time screening the documentary, “Paris to Pittsburgh.” Doors will open at 6:30 PM for popcorn. Bring your own Beverage. Movie starts promptly at 7 PM. Named Inc. Magazine’s "Best Business Documentary" of 2018, "Paris to Pittsburgh" focuses on the incredible action individuals, communities, businesses and local governments in the U.S. have undertaken to combat the threat of climate change in their own backyards in the wake of the US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement. The film explores the very real social and economic effects of climate change-fueled disasters – from America’s heartland to the nation’s coastlines and the island of Puerto Rico. Please sign the sheet in the Friendship Hall if you plan on attending.

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Douglas UCC is proud to be a co-host with ​Gender S.A.F.E. (Supporting All For Equality) of this year's Transgender Day of Remembrance Candlelight Vigil on November 20 at 7 PM at Herrick District Library in Holland. This vigil will be held to recognize and remember the lives of transgender people who have been violently killed in 2019 due to anti-transgender violence. We hope you will join us for this important event.

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​It's that time of year again! We will be collecting 5 lb. bags of flour for Thanksgiving Baskets that will be distributed to families in need through Christian Neighbors.

Our church's goal this year is to donate 700 pounds of flour! We can do this! We will be collecting every Sunday in November. Please drop off your bags of flour on the designated table in the Friendship Hall. Thank you!

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On Sunday, November 17, we will be having a "Groups Fair" at Douglas UCC, immediately following our worship service.  Our church groups will be spread out across our church campus. Each group will have its own table, where they'll give out information about their group and have sign-up sheets for new members.  It'll be a great (and fun) way to raise awareness about all of our groups, as well as to get new people involved.

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We're excited to announce that Vita, our service dog in training, is being placed as a Service Dog in Arizona. Vita was raised and housed by our church members, Bob and Louise Kenny.

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Congratulations to our church member, Jack Ridl, Poet Laureate of Douglas, who had one of his poems published in last Sunday's New York Times Magazine. 

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​The Season of Advent begins on Sunday, December 1.  Copies of the 2019 UCC ​Advent Devotional, A New Earth, are now available in the Friendship Hall for $5.  A New Earth includes a biblical text, reflection, and prayer for each day of Advent.  Plus, new for 2019: this popular resource now includes daily readings through Epiphany. 

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We need volunteers to help with shoveling snow on the front stairs and sidewalks of the church on Sunday mornings before church this winter.  Please sign the sheet in the Friendship Hall if you can help. Thank you so much!

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Watch Last Sunday's Music & Message:

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Financial Stewardship Report:

November 3:  Attendance: 148   Collection Plate: $1,158     Online Giving: $1,697.66​   
Retreat House Use: $600      Total: $3,455.66
     Thank you for your generous giving 
which allows us to sustain our church community and our mission of service.
​You can also give securely online by clicking ONLINE GIVING.

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